North Korea’s newest warship was badly damaged in a failed launch this week, state media reported Thursday. 

The 5,000-ton destroyer was being launched at the northeastern port of Chongjin when a support cradle on the stern slipped, causing the ship to tilt and crush parts of its bottom. The bow remained stuck on the launch ramp.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present and responded with anger, calling the failure “a criminal act” caused by “carelessness and irresponsibility,” according to state-run news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

KCNA did not say how much damage the ship took or whether anyone was hurt. 

Satellite imagery from Airbus Defence and Space, captured by @osc_london, shows the warship partially sunk at the Chongjin Shipyard in North Korea, following the failed launch. 

North Korea’s latest naval destroyer has been significantly damaged prior to its launch. In a rare acknowledgment, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported yesterday an incident occurred with a new destroyer in Chongjin, which was close to being launched. pic.twitter.com/0PfuqehYnF

— Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025

According to KCNA, Kim ordered that the damaged ship be fixed ahead of the June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party.

CBS News noted in its report that North Korea rarely admits to military accidents, and the recent admission suggests that Kim is serious about upgrading North Korea’s military capabilities. 

The damaged warship is the second of a new destroyer class. The first, called Choe Hyon, was launched in April and is considered North Korea’s most advanced surface warship. It is designed to carry missiles, possibly including nuclear-capable ones.

Following the failed launch, South Korea reported that North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the East Sea, likely as a show of strength in response to the setback.